Because you can get a much nicer action on an S&W. It's easier to shoot a good score.
There used to be Python barrels available from Colt that weren't on a gun, or takeoffs where someone had a custom barrel made and installed, making the original an extra.

Iím 64, learned to read on dads American Rifleman magazines. I remember articles on Smythons. My friends were Colt fans, me S&W. I dreamed of having a Smython. The word was Colts went out of timing faster than Smiths. The pistols shown here are beautiful. I canít hold a pistol steady enough to know the accuracy difference so Iím going to continue to love my heavy barrel 686 Stocking Dealers Special.

Iím 64, learned to read on dads American Rifleman magazines. I remember articles on Smythons. My friends were Colt fans, me S&W. I dreamed of having a Smython. The word was Colts went out of timing faster than Smiths. The pistols shown here are beautiful. I canít hold a pistol steady enough to know the accuracy difference so Iím going to continue to love my heavy barrel 686 Stocking Dealers Special.